Grand event to honour late king

The armed forces plan to arrange a grand event to commemorate the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on Oct 13.

Assistant spokesman of the Defence Ministry Col Wanchana Sawasdee yesterday announced the results of a Defence Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

He said the premier emphasised two issues at the meeting: the monarchy, and the mission of the armed forces.

On the monarchy, the PM said the government was preparing to organise an event to commemorate the passing of King Rama IX on Oct 13.

He instructed the armed forces to also support activities organised by other units in promoting His Majesty the King’s work which benefits the country and reflects the long-standing bonds between the monarchy and the people.

The PM also urged government agencies to promote HM the King’s royal projects, particularly the applied New Theory Agriculture based on agricultural concepts initiated by King Rama IX.

The premier called on the armed forces to focus on peacekeeping, cyber security and assistance for people, especially those affected by Tropical Storm Noul.

The PM also asked the armed forces to support the government’s Covid-19 response and help to prevent illegal border crossings that could put the country at risk of a second wave of the virus.

On national reconciliation, the PM asked the armed forces to work together to forge unity in the country by advocating freedom of expression by people who respect each other’s differences.

A 205-rai training centre will be established inside the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters.